Bullet Revisited #35 2013

Lalla Essaydi made "Bullet Revisited #35," using photography to stage a scene that shimmers with pattern and meaning. The bullet casings that adorn the figures and the backdrop aren't just decoration; they speak to complex histories. The surface of this work is fascinating; the metallic sheen of the casings creates a tension between beauty and unease. Look closely, and you'll see how Essaydi uses the light to animate the image, giving a sculptural feel to the photograph. The way the figures are posed feels both classical and confrontational, echoing Orientalist paintings while subverting them. Essaydi's work reminds me a little of the collages of Romare Bearden, in that both artists use layering and repetition to build narratives about identity and culture. Ultimately, this piece invites us to consider the ways in which art can be both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking.